Elkin Creek Vineyard
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: Two enthusiastic couples now own Elkin Creek Vineyard located next to an old gristmill. Frequent visitors are adults who have come here as children. With a kitchen and pizza oven, and a creek to walk along this is a destination site for travelers.
Elkin Creek Vineyard involves two couples with an interest in winemaking. Louis and Carrie Jeroslow and Nick and Jennifer White purchased the property in 2012. A winery and vineyards were already established on the property.
Louis likes challenges and after reading about winemaking started making wine from kits. At first he followed the exact instructions that accompanied the kits and then began doctoring the kits. After abandoning the use of kits, Louis made meads and wines with fresh fruit and grapes. While learning by making wine, he took workshops at University of California Davis.
Previously the new owners met Mark Greene who with his family had started the vineyard and winery. Nick and Jennifer were married on the property.
Louis, Carrie, Nick and Jennifer all worked with the Blue Man Group. Eventually both couples envisioned career changes. They had a discussion with Mark Greene who wanted to sell the land, the winery and the 1896 gristmill aka Elkin Creek Mill. The mill at one time was a restaurant and then a home.
The vineyard of five acres has red clay soil. Varieties planted include Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier. In the future they expect to add additional grapevines to the 19 acre site. During a late November visit, leaves had fallen from the vines and the architecture of the vineyard was observed.
Louis is the winemaker while Nick is the vineyard manager. Jennifer is the event coordinator. Carrie officiates many marriages and is developing future wellness activities and retreats. Current wine production is 750 cases. They also source fruit locally.
White Wines
Chardonnay 2011 was produced in stainless steel with no malolactic fermentation. The wine was a light straw color. Aroma notes included apple and pear. The taste had apple with a hint of tropical fruit. It was fruity and slightly sweet. The finish was crisp and fruity.
Red Wines
Rossa 2009 was a blend of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. This ruby colored wine offered an aroma of dark fruit notes. The taste had black cherry and black fruit nuances. The finish, with tannins, was very fruit forward. Remembrances 2010 was a blend of two red wines Merlot and Sangiovese. The taste had black cherry and black fruit notes. The wine was velvety and fruity. The finish was fruity with mild tannins. Classico 2008 was a Super Tuscan-style wine. It was a blend of Merlot and Sangiovese. The aroma was of dark red fruit. The taste was smooth and soft. The finish had notes of tannins and fruit.
Dessert Wine 2011 was a blend of Sangiovese and Viognier. The color was a dark salmon. The aroma was floral and the taste was like a fruit salad. The finish was slightly sweet and crisp.
Tasting Room and Winery
The winery tasting room is located on the first floor with the winery and barrel room below. The wood ceiling of the tasting room rises to an apex where bright light shines. A loft level visible from the first floor has an assortment of vintage objects. Be sure to note the old steamer case on display along with many other artifacts. The tasting counter is in one section of the tasting room. Most of the area has tables and chairs. A kitchen with a brick oven is used to make pizzas, served on Sundays and at special events, and fresh sour-dough bread. The fresh sour-dough bread and antipasti are available any time the tasting room is open. Brick walls are from an old schoolhouse.
The barrel room is cut into the hillside above Elkin Creek. The barrel room offers an old world feel. Winemaker dinners can be held in the barrel room.
Private Events at Elkin Creek
Private weddings can also take place on this beautiful property. Photos can include vineyards, Elkin Creek, and the waterfall. Special packages available include proposal, elopement, renewal and wedding packages. Business meetings and retreats can also be scheduled at Elkin Creek Vineyard.
When in the area be sure to stop and visit Elkin Creek Vineyard. Stay awhile and add a walk along Elkin Creek to your experience.
Elkin Creek Vineyard
318 Elkin Creek Mill Road
Elkin, North Carolina 28621
GPS: N36º 16.675’ W80º 52.425’
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